General remarks

With globalization and digitalization making cross-border activities commonplace and the world facing challenges that no single country can solve, global peace and stability are necessary for Japan to grow and prosper. At the same time, the international community is becoming more disunited due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In this increasingly complex international situation, it is important to build friendly relations with other countries based on mutual understanding and trust by promoting people-to-people exchange in education and research. In May 2023, the G7 Education Ministers’ Meeting was held in Toyama and Kanazawa with the theme “Education after the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
Representatives from the G7 countries, the European Union (EU), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) discussed the role and modality of people-to-people exchange in education and research. The “Toyama-Kanazawa Declaration” (Fig. 1-2-1), which was adopted as the outcome document, identified the role of international student and researcher exchanges in expanding the network of people who share universal values such as democracy, human rights, freedom, and peace, as well as in strengthening the international community’s connections to solve global issues together. A common understanding was established on the importance of restoring and further expanding exchanges between students from G7 countries to the pre-COVID-19 levels and promoting high-quality international exchange and international talent mobility and circulation by developing and deepening international networks between universities.
Furthermore, 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of friendship and co-operation between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The people-to-people exchanges between Japan and ASEAN have formed the basis of a strong partnership called “heart-to-heart partners,” and we have built close cooperative relationships for peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. At the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation held in Tokyo in 2023, it was agreed to enhance people-to-people exchanges and to connect and strengthen long-standing relations of trust for the next generation.
As world leaders share the importance of expanding people-to-people exchange, Japan must also foster global leaders who can take an active role in the world as representatives of the country, promoting international co-operation and solidarity to solve global challenges, as well as human resources who can play a vital role in revitalizing local communities with the awareness that they are part of the international community.
To foster such human resources, more Japanese students should gain international experience through studying abroad, and develop the ability to collaborate with people holding diverse values. Accepting more diverse and competent international students is also expected to create an environment of friendly competition with Japanese students, improve the quality of higher education in Japan, and motivate Japanese students to study abroad. We must also create an environment that enables Japanese students to study abroad without concern, such as by improving the educational environment of universities that serves as the foundation for international student mobility. Thus, we need to promote the enhancement of the international experience of Japanese people, the acceptance of diverse and excellent international students, and the internationalization of education in an integrated manner so that these interact to create a virtuous cycle that fosters global human resources.
To achieve this, then Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Nagaoka(at that time) announced the “World x Learning Plan (Sekai x Manabi Plan)” (Fig. 1-2-2) ^*1 in August 2023, a comprehensive policy package for global human resource development that includes promoting international student exchange and the internationalization of education, connecting society with the elementary and secondary education stage, and then the higher education stage and beyond. Based on this Plan, we will enhance and push “(1) Focused promotion of study abroad for Japanese students,” “(2) Acceptance and settlement of excellent international students and human resources,” and “(3) Internationalization of education” in an integrated manner.
Below, we will introduce the various measures being promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (hereinafter referred to as the “MEXT”) based on the World x Learning Plan (Sekai x Manabi Plan).

*1 Reference: https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/kokusai/sekaimanabi/index.html

1 Focused promotion of study abroad for Japanese people

We are promoting international exchange early on from high schools to instill awareness in students of being members of the international community and to motivate them to study abroad starting from the elementary and secondary education stages. We are working in a coordinated effort on the following measures to encourage students to take on the challenge of higher quality, full-scale study abroad and human resources exchange.

(1) Initiatives for international exchange at the high school level

To increase momentum for studying abroad among high school students, the “Government-funded High School Study Abroad Promotion Program” provides partial financial support to about 1,500 students participating in short-term study abroad programs organized by local governments and schools as part of their school educational activities annually through prefectural governments and promotes sending high school students abroad. In addition, to promote initiatives encouraging high school students to study abroad at the prefectural level, we are engaged in supporting efforts to develop student interest to study abroad, including promoting international exchange activities using the internet, etc., and appointing study abroad coordinators to provide counseling and coordination with related organizations.

(2) Medium- to Long-Term Student Exchange Support Program for Higher Education Institutions

To create momentum for medium- to long-term study abroad, we have expanded the number of students eligible for support through the Student Exchange Support Program (for exchange student programs). We support students sent to universities in other countries based on inter-university exchange agreements.
We also provide financial support to more than 600 Japanese students studying abroad to obtain a degree under the Student Exchange Support Program (for University and Graduate School degree programs) annually to enable full-scale study abroad for students and promote their participation in brain circulation.

(3) Tobitate! (Leap for Tomorrow) Study Abroad Initiative

Since FY 2013, we have been running the “Tobitate! (Leap for Tomorrow) Study Abroad Initiative,” a public-private project to create momentum for all young Japanese university and high school students with the motivation and potential to take the first step toward studying abroad. To date, we have sponsored approximately 10,000 students to study in various countries and regions through this initiative.
In FY 2023, we commenced the second stage of the “Tobitate! (Leap for Tomorrow) Study Abroad Initiative” to promptly restore the number of Japanese students studying abroad to pre-COVID-19 levels. In the five years leading up to FY 2027, the project will create study abroad opportunities for more than 5,000 students, including 4,000 high school students and 1,000 university students, to rekindle momentum for studying abroad.
In addition, we have commenced a new “Regional Empowerment Initiative” in which local industry, academia, and government collaborate to provide study abroad opportunities to local high school students and foster interest in studying abroad. Ishikawa, Shiga, and Shizuoka prefectures were selected for this program in FY 2023.

2 Acceptance and settlement of excellent international students and human resources

To build the foundation of a symbiotic society, lay the groundwork for acquiring excellent international students, and promote the acceptance and settlement of more diverse and excellent international students and researchers, we will implement the following measures in a coordinated manner.

(1) Initiatives for international exchange at the high school level

Through a program of inviting overseas high school students studying the Japanese language to high schools in Japan, we aim to improve the communication skills of Japanese high school students, promote cross-cultural understanding, and promote understanding of Japanese society and culture among foreign high school students. For example, the “Asia Kakehashi Project,” which has been implemented since FY 2018, has invited 974 students to Japan over the past five years, producing results such as scholarship students enrolling in Japanese universities, etc., and changes in Japanese high school students’ attitudes toward language learning. In 2023, the project was newly launched as the “Asia Kakehashi Project+,” targeting high school students from the G7 and Asian countries. Inviting high school students from 25 countries and regions to high schools across Japan for several months helps deepen international exchange with Japanese high school students.

(2) Functional enhancement to attract international students

To attract excellent international students to Japan, we have been promoting study in Japan in an integrated manner, from student recruitment to follow-ups after their return to their home countries, by disseminating information and holding events through the “Study in Japan Global Network Project,” which was being implemented until FY 2023. The “Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan,” implemented in FY 2024, will enhance the functionality of bases in ASEAN, India, and other priority countries and regions, building on the results of past initiatives. In addition to significantly increasing the number of study abroad fairs and other events, we are enhancing our approach from the high school stage, including visits to local high schools and collaborating with related organizations such as overseas diplomatic missions, Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japan Foundation (JF), and companies to strengthen our PR efforts to promote the appeal of studying in Japan, as well as job and career opportunities in Japan.
In addition to this project, the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), a national center for the promotion of student exchange programs, has established a new department to collect information and formulate strategies for international student exchange, including trends and data on international student exchange in other countries, and build a support system for Japanese universities to develop strategic student recruitment activities.

(3) Creation of joint programs between universities

Through the “Inter-University Exchange Project,” we have continuously supported the development and implementation of high-quality educational exchange programs, such as mutual recognition of credits and joint conferral of degrees with universities in countries and regions of importance to Japan.
Since FY 2023, we have been supporting initiatives that promote large-scale exchanges mainly in the fields of STEAM education, Digital Transformation, Green Transformation, etc., with universities in the U.S. and other countries by using high-quality online education methods, such as Collaborative Online International Learning and Virtual Exchange (inter-university exchange where students independently learn from each other in virtual spaces).
Since 2023 marks the “50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation,” we are further deepening exchanges with ASEAN countries. In particular, we are developing a mechanism to strategically acquire outstanding international students by providing high-quality online educational content to accelerate exchange on the Japan Virtual Campus (JV-Campus), an online international education platform developed by Japan.

(4) Strategic use of scholarships

The “Japanese Government Scholarship Program” accepts excellent international students recommended by overseas diplomatic missions and universities. For FY 2023, the program is enhancing its international student recruitment, particularly from ASEAN and G7 countries. This initiative, guided by the May 2023 “Strategic International Student Exchange Promotion Study Group Report,” aims to strengthen student exchanges to forge optimal bilateral relationships, considering diplomatic, economic, and academic research perspectives.
Furthermore, the “International Student Support Program” offers scholarships to outstanding privately-funded international students who demonstrate academic excellence and strong character but face financial hardships that impede their studies. We have established special admission quotas aligned with initiatives to promote study in Japan, particularly targeting privately funded international students from ASEAN countries and India.

(5) research fields

In the research field, we must promote international brain circulation beyond students to ensure young talent plays an active role in global affairs, attract excellent human resources to Japan, and strengthen our international networks. We launched the “Adopting Sustainable Partnerships for Innovative Research Ecosystem (ASPIRE)” program in FY 2022 to achieve these objectives. This initiative strategically supports government-led international collaborative research in cutting-edge fields, targeting advanced nations, particularly Europe and North America. Additionally, ASPIRE promotes the integration of Japanese researchers into elite global scientific communities and bolsters exchange programs and networking opportunities for early-career researchers. Moreover, FY 2023 marks the launch of the Networked Exchange, United Strength for Stronger Partnerships between Japan and ASEAN (NEXUS). This initiative aims to foster international joint research projects and facilitate human resources exchanges and development programs tailored to the specific needs and scientific and technological capacities of ASEAN member states.

3 Internationalization of education

To establish a learning environment that supports diverse global human resources and an environment that fosters natural interactions among international students at the higher education level, we are comprehensively implementing the following initiatives.

(1) English education enhancement for elementary, junior high, and high schools

Amid globalization, proficiency in English communication has become essential across a broad spectrum of industries and professions, extending beyond specialized fields to encompass diverse scenarios in domestic and international arenas. In school education, it is also necessary to cultivate students’ qualities and abilities to communicate in a foreign language proactively.
Consequently, the current National Curriculum Standards emphasize the balanced development of all four language skills—reading, listening, speaking, and writing—with the overarching objective of cultivating in students’ qualities and abilities to communicate effectively in English through diverse linguistic activities.
However, the FY2023 National Assessment of Academic Ability findings have revealed persistent challenges, particularly in productive language skills—speaking and writing—and notable regional disparities in overall English proficiency among students.
In response to these findings, MEXT is implementing a multi-faceted approach to bolster English education. This includes empirical research on leveraging digital technologies, such as AI, to enhance productive language skills, particularly speaking, promoting increased classroom involvement of Assistant Language Teachers (ALT), and supporting local government initiatives to improve students’ English proficiency. MEXT remains committed to enhancing and refining English language education nationwide.

(2) Efforts to build a World Wide Learning (WWL) consortium

Based on the core capabilities essential for Society 5.0, we are implementing an initiative designed to cultivate innovative global human resources possessing the vision, qualities and abilities to lead emerging societal paradigms on a global scale. This project facilitates collaboration among high schools, domestic and international universities, corporations, and multinational organizations to establish an “Advanced Learning Network.” This network provides high school students with sophisticated learning opportunities, including themed international conferences. We aim to lay the groundwork for the future Worldwide Learning (WWL) Consortium by strategically positioning hub schools nationwide that embody this Advanced Learning Network. Commencing in FY 2024, we are placing particular emphasis on reinvigorating international education opportunities constrained by the COVID-19 pandemic. This renewed focus encompasses short- and long-term study abroad programs at overseas partner institutions, international training initiatives, collaborative courses conducted in English that integrate international students from partner schools with Japanese high school students, and inquiry-driven learning activities.

(3) Promote the International Baccalaureate program

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an international educational program offered by the IB Organization. The IB’s educational philosophy aligns with the objectives of National Curriculum Standards. Its distinctive curriculum, featuring interactive and collaborative teaching methods, cultivates language skills, critical thinking, and broad knowledge exploration. This approach is well-suited to developing knowledge and abilities for a globalized world. The IB Diploma Program, offered at the secondary education level, enables students to acquire an internationally recognized qualification for university admission (IB Qualification), widely used in university admission processes worldwide.
As IB adoption progresses, it diversifies students’ academic pathways and serves as a best practice example for Japanese primary and secondary education, enhancing overall educational quality.
As part of its Growth Strategy 2021, the Japanese government established an ambitious target to expand the number of IB-accredited and candidate schools in Japan to exceed 200. In pursuit of this objective, MEXT established the “MEXT Consortium for Promotion of IB Education” in FY 2018. This consortium has advanced IB education by creating information-sharing platforms, supporting schools and boards of education considering IB implementation, and promoting IB recognition in university admissions. By March 2023, Japan had surpassed its target with 207 IB-accredited and candidate schools. As of March 2024, Japan has 241 IB-accredited and candidate schools. We will continue to promote IB education through research on its educational impact and dissemination of best practices, aiming to foster globally competent human resources for our interconnected world.

(4) Functional enhancement of overseas educational facilities

As Japan’s global engagement intensifies, many Japanese families are relocating overseas with their children. Consequently, it has become imperative to guarantee quality educational opportunities for these overseas Japanese children. This is primarily achieved by enhancing overseas Japanese educational facilities (including schools, private educational facilities, and supplementary schools for overseas Japanese). In June 2022, the “Act on the Promotion of Education in Overseas Educational Facilities” was promulgated and enacted. Subsequently, in April 2023, MEXT and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) jointly formulated and issued the fundamental policies according to this legislation. The fundamental policy delineates key strategic directions for advancing education at overseas educational facilities. These include guaranteeing learning opportunities for children of Japanese expatriates, establishing learning environments comparable to those in Japan, enriching educational content unique to the overseas context, and outlining specific measures to achieve these objectives.
MEXT has been dispatching teachers to schools and supplementary schools for overseas Japanese, providing complimentary textbooks for compulsory education, facilitating the development and provision of teaching materials, and supporting technological infrastructure upgrades. Furthermore, MEXT aims to elevate the quality of education through targeted support for exemplary educational programs and distinctive research initiatives. The ministry has also established “education advisors for overseas educational facilities” network to provide expert educational content and operational management guidance.

(5) Internationalization of universities

Universities in Japan must establish a robust foundation for internationalization to attract a diverse cohort of excellent international students from across the globe and encourage Japanese students to pursue study abroad opportunities actively. This entails fostering extensive exchanges and collaborations with global counterparts, cultivating students’ intercultural competencies, and implementing comprehensive internationalization strategies across all institutional functions.
Since FY 2014, MEXT has been implementing the “Top Global University Project” (hereafter referred to as “SGU”) for a decade. This initiative aims to support comprehensive university reform and internationalization, enhancing the global compatibility and competitiveness of Japan’s higher education system. The SGU initiative has yielded significant outcomes across several key areas: a substantial increase in courses taught in foreign languages, the development of degree programs offered entirely in foreign languages, and the recruitment of international faculty and globally competent administrative staff. These efforts have steadily increased international student enrollment and increased Japanese students participating in medium- and long-term study abroad programs.
While the SGU initiative has significantly advanced the internationalization of universities, it has also brought to light new challenges. These include insufficient development of environments conducive to deep, mutual learning interactions between international and domestic students and inadequate support structures for international students’ career development within Japan. In response to these emerging challenges, MEXT is launching the “Project to Support the Creation of Social Impact by International Universities” in FY 2024. This initiative aims to catalyze further internationalization of universities by establishing frameworks for collaborative learning between international and domestic students, focusing on addressing pressing social issues in Japan and globally. This project fosters collaborative learning between Japanese and international students, leveraging their cultural diversity to address challenges in Japan and overseas regions where universities conduct educational and research activities.

4 Summary

MEXT remains committed to fostering global human resources by integrally advancing these initiatives.

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